Image processing from K200D

Hi

I have just bought a K200D my first DSLR. I am unsure about processing the images I take. When shooting JPEG is it better to process in camera or use an external image processor, such sa HP Image zone, I do not have photoshop. For example is it better to atler say exposure/saturation externally or is it better to use the camera's processing function. I realise it is better to get these right when shooting but that does not always happen. Aslo IF I shoot RAW images and then use the cameras processing function to convert them to JPEG's will they be as good as shooting JPEG in the first place or better than.

Good question, but there's no easy answer for JPEG as it will depend on the particular settings and the particular software program. The safe bet is just to leave the camera's sharpness, contrast and saturation at medium settings, then tweak afterwards with software if necessary.

For the exposure level, with JPEG, you really need to do your best to get it right in camera.

Anyway, RAW is much better for post processing as you can do more with the images before loosing quality. So i would recommend RAW when you expect to need some pp, and JPEG if you're generally happy with JPEG and when you're confident that you will get it right (or almost right) in camera.

There are some free RAW converters available, though it's worth investing in something like Silkypix (£75) if you will regularly shoot RAW.

They will be just the same, no better. You need to use a program on your computer to do better.